Many people enjoy using their favorite mug to brew tea or coffee, but over time, it’s inevitable that unsightly brown tea or coffee stains will appear, looking quite unpleasant. While using bleach or cleaning agents to scrub the stains can achieve a clean result, relying on this method too frequently may feel too harsh. In light of this, some internet users have shared a surprising and easy way to remove tea stains with a common household item.
In a Facebook group called “Mrs. Hinch Cleaning Tips” created by British influencer Sophie Hinchcliffe, members discuss various cleaning issues related to household living. Recently, a user inquired about how to clean tea stains from mugs.
A user named Lucy Robinson asked how to get rid of tea stains in her mug. She mentioned buying a fancy temperature-controlled mug for herself, but found it difficult to prevent the buildup of tea stains while using it.
She tried lightly scrubbing with bleach and a metal wire ball to make it shine, but both methods felt too harsh for regular use.
Previously, she used cleaning agents and a sponge to wash the mug, but tea stains still accumulated. She wanted to know if there was a gentler method to prevent tea stains from forming.
Her post garnered several responses. Most people suggested using denture cleaning tablets to clean tea stains from mugs.
Michelle Vine mentioned that denture cleaning tablets are safe for dentures and effectively cleaned her husband’s dirty mug that hadn’t been cleaned for three weeks at work. She wouldn’t use anything else to clean mugs as it could cause abrasion, leaving more tannic acid residue inside the mug.
She said, “Just drop in a tablet, add boiling water, and let it sit for 30 minutes to gently wash away the tannic acid.”
Mitzi Andrews recommended, “Use a denture cleaning tablet overnight. Drop one in the mug and fill it with boiling water. By morning, the stains will disappear.”
Others suggested using a magic sponge, bleach spray, and baking soda to remove tea stains.
The US magazine “Better Homes and Gardens” also recommended using denture cleaning tablets to remove tea stains. They are effective in cleaning dentures and equally effective in cleaning mugs.
When using denture cleaning tablets, ensure there is enough water to cover the tea or coffee stains. After the tablet has dissolved and taken effect, wash the mug with dish soap.
The magazine advises that a good offense is the best defense. If you rinse the mug promptly after finishing your drink, tea or coffee stains will not form inside the mug. Even if you can’t wash the mug immediately, rinsing will remove any remaining coffee or tea drips. Once these residues are gone, you won’t have to worry about stains forming.
It’s important to note that handcrafted pottery and delicate porcelain require additional care. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers for cleaning and always follow the craftsman’s or manufacturer’s usage guidelines.